Best tool for Valve Job

J

JP31

Member
What does everyone recommend for the best tool to use for replacing new springs back in my engine. I used a crowbar and steel block to get them out. I have seen pliers looking devise but have never seen them available to purchase.

Thanks
 
JP31 - Google "ford model a valve spring compressor". You will see several illustrations, but the type that can reach in to the Model A valve galley will work the best.

My brother-in-law had a spring compressor he used for lawn mower engines that worked just fine for me.
 

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The tool shown by Afordman31 is exactly like the one I used. I tried looking it up, but I didn't remember it was a Briggs tool for their lawn mower engines.
 
I have one of those Briggs and Stratton spring compressors if anyone is interested in buying it, PM me.
 
The best tool for removing model A valve springs that I have found is the tool used to remove the door hinge springs on the early S 10 Chevy pickup. I have the other valve spring tools offered by the model A vendors but none compare to the S 10 hinge spring tool, most body men will have one.
 
I use something like this. Works on almost any engine.
 

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I have several, some like the ones in post #5, but the one I like best, and works the best for me is this one:

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I also have the one the vendors sell, it doesn't even come close to working (for me anyway)
 
I have those in post 5 and other similar types. But the deep-throated one like Pete shows is what I use mostly. You can do valve work without removing the manifolds. Saves time when just resetting the tappets.
SAJ in NZ
 
JP31 said:
Carl any idea where I can buy one like this?
Click to expand...
I bought mine on eBay

There's one on there now for $20

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Britain...9683?hash=item3a89d57053&vxp=mtr#ht_161wt_783

Another one for $35

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Point-...ols&hash=item4d17803796&vxp=mtr#ht_124wt_1002

$10

http://www.ebay.com/itm/vtg-side-va...ltDomain_0&hash=item5d483eb4e6#ht_2877wt_1133

There's quite a few more, just search on "valve spring compressors" You will have to wade thru over 1,500 listings, but there are a bunch of them. Some look almost new, others show their age. All of the other type described in other posts are there as well.
 
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The ones 1930 Coupe shows are the ones designed for Model A's and T's. The one CarlG shows is designed for the flathead V8. All of them will work but I find the one like Pete uses works best for me and I replace a lot of valves.
 
The tool is a specialty item today. Once prevalent when flatheads were more commonly in use. They are found in garage sales, swap meets, old garages, and flea markets. I occasionally come across them in my forays. I bought mine for $3.
Terry
 
I have about 6 of them (even a pneumatic version of what Pete shows) and stopped searching for a better one when I found the Sunnen tool pictured below. At almost 13" long, the leverage is good and the sliding stop is quick to engage. You will see them on ebay every so often. I like it so much...I even bought a spare.

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Good Day!
 
Some body loan me theirs. I had one of the large ones and I thought helping a youngster,he has taken off with it. 3 hands and screwdrivers don't seem to work. :):)
 
The best, fast, convenient, and easy to handle is the KD IMHO...the upper one in post #5. It is a special Ford tool, and comes marked for Model A Ford or Ford A and B, depending on when it was made. It has a simple ratchet mechanism that will hold the spring up while you fumble around. KD also made a cheaper version without the ratchet part, requiring you to hold your grip on it while getting off the keeper.
The lower tool is also a Ford special one and may be the cheaper KD...I don't remember what that one looked like.
Naturally, the good one is flea market only but is pretty common...so common that I suspect it dominated the garage market when it was an everyday item.
KD also made an excellent forged punch for the guides. And the best valve tools for flathead v8's, too!
 
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